2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

PECI5502M Critical Concepts in Performance Design

30 creditsClass Size: 30

Module manager: Prof Joslin McKinney
Email: j.e.mckinney@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module examines the critical concepts and theories which have informed recent developments in performance design practice. Beginning with the expansion of scenography in the late 20th century, we will consider how forms of performance design, in the theatre and beyond, manifest themselves in the 21st century and look at the opportunities and the challenges for future practice.

Objectives

On this module, students will develop understanding of theories and concepts of performance design and use that knowledge to critically appraise contemporary practices in the field. These aims are met through the following objectives:

• Carry out critical reading and viewing of selected material
• Contribute to seminar discussion and developing critical skills
• Develop positions on the opportunities and challenges of contemporary performance design

Understanding developed in this module complements the Performance Design Praxis module by giving students valuable points of reference in theory and in practice that they can use as part of the critical evaluation of their own practice.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module you will be able to:
1. Articulate your critical engagement with current issues and debates in Performance Design theory and practice
2. Apply concepts of Performance Design to examples of current practice and explore the significance of new ideas
3.Draw conclusions based on critical engagement with a range of sources and consider the implications for the field

Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module you will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
4. Capacity to communicate clearly about key issues through written and visual/verbal communication
5. Appreciation of global practice and ethical considerations in the field
6. Develop understanding of the field that supports your professional development

Syllabus

Lectures will address key areas, typically:

• Expanded scenography
• Postdramatic performance and visual dramaturgy
• Audience experience of scenography
• Performance design and place-making
• Digitally augmented scenography
• Site-specific performance
• Sound
• Atmospheres
• Ethical and sustainable practice in Performance Design
Seminars follow lectures and are discussion and activity based, allowing students to explore ideas from the lectures and the reading and viewing material that supports each lecture.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Supervision	2	0.50	1.00
Lecture	9	1.00	9.00
Seminar	11	2.00	22.00
Private study hours			268.00
Total Contact hours			32.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			300.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Contribution to seminars in the first 3 weeks, formative verbal feedback from seminar tutor on critical reading and application of key terms.
Seminar week 4 – feedback to the group on their initial ideas for the essay
First tutorial (in wk 4) will address their plans for essay assignment in detail, 1:1
Contribution to seminars in weeks 5 – 9, verbal feedback from seminar tutor on understanding and application of key concepts
Second tutorial (wk 10) will reflect on their feedback for the essay and address their plans for the presentation assignment , 1:1

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	Essay (1,800 – 2,200 total words)	30.00
Presentation	Presentation (15 -20 mins with 5 mins Q&A)	70.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

The essay allows students to undertake a formally assessed piece of work early in their studies so that they can build confidence in adapting to Masters-level expectations. The presentation tests the same LOs but through a different format (one that reflects conference presentations) and gives students the opportunity to build on what they have learnt from the essay task and develop their understanding and critical skills. Re-sit tasks are the same as the original task, but the presentation may be presented online.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 19/01/2024

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